Football season and the holidays are supposed to be a season of joy, time with family and friends, and when loved ones come together to celebrate the traditional occasions.

But for some people, stress, loss, loneliness, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can make getting through the season a tough struggle.

Preventing suicide can be tricky and sometimes hard. However, there are certain risk factors and warning signs that people can look for when they are assessing whether someone may be in danger of harming themselves.

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

First, look for any changes in behavior or significant change in the person. Second, stay with the person and never leave him or her alone. Third, get the person to see a professional – a doctor, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

There are immediate resources for help, and they are available by calling the Oahu Suicide Crisis line at 832-3100 or by texting 741741. Also, the National Veterans Crisis Line is at 1-800-273-8255 (press 2).

If someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others, law enforcement should be called.

There is help and there is hope and there are people in professions out there that are trained to support people in need of care. Please encourage people to get help and let’s not be the Bystander: Take a Stand and Prevent Suicide!

(Note: Oto works in the Army Substance Abuse Program, Directorate of Human Resources, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii.)

Talk to Someone

For more information on suicide prevention, training and resources, you may contact the Army Suicide Prevention Program at (808) 655-9105.